“Until we extend the circle of our compassion to all living things, we will not find
peace.”

Albert Schweitzer

WILDLIFE EMERGENCIES

Rescue Tips

The tips below are general guidelines. Please remember that wildlife can be extremely
dangerous, biting and scratching, even when injured, ill or very young and should
always be approached with caution!

1. Before capturing an animal you feel may need help, observe quietly from a distance
for a time to help determine if the animal really needs help. Keep pets and other
people away. Remember that just because a young animal is alone it does not necessarily
mean it has been abandoned. Wildlife mothers normally leave their young alone for
periods of time while foraging or to distract predators (including humans) away from
their young.

2. If a cat or dog has had the animal, even if you do not see wounds or blood, place
the animal in a small box with a clean T-shirt or towel and contact a rehabilitator
immediately. Please DO NOT give it food or water. DO NOT handle it other than to
put it in the box, these babies very quickly die from being handled.

3. In all situations where you have determined that the animal does need help, never
feed the animal or give it water. Doing so may kill an injured or dehydrated animal.
Never try to medicate or apply first aid to an animal even if there are wounds. Wildlife
can carry diseases transmissible to humans. Contact with blood or other body fluids
puts you at risk. Some medications intended for use on humans or domestic animals
may kill or sicken wildlife. Always wash your hands thoroughly after capturing the
animal. It may be wise to wear disposable gloves for the capture.